Acetylcholinesterase (ACHE)-derived peptide as an inducer of granulocytopoiesis, uses and methods thereof

Abstract

The present invention describes the use of an AChE-R-derived peptide, also known as ARP, as an inducer of hemopoietic cell differentiation and expansion, specifically for the granulocytic population. In addition, the use of ARP as an inducer of thrombopoietin and pro-inflammatory cytokines is also presented. ARP may further be used in the pre-transplant priming of hematopoietic stem cells. Other uses and methods utilizing ARP are also described herein.

1. A method for inducing a shift in the activity of lymphocytes in vitro or ex vivo, comprising contacting an acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-derived peptide with lymphocytes for a suitable period of time, wherein the AChE-derived peptide comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1. 
     
     
       2. A method of treatment of conditions wherein lymphocyte activity is reduced in a subject in need thereof, said method comprising:
 (a) obtaining blood from a subject; 
 (b) isolating immature cells from the blood; 
 (c) contacting the immature cells with an acetylcholinesterase (AChE)-derived peptide; and 
 (d) introducing the immature cells into the subject, wherein said peptide is denoted by SEQ ID NO:1 and wherein the condition is selected from the group consisting of chronic stress, autoimmune diseases, inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), fibromyalgia, multiple chemical sensitivity, post-irradiation, and chemotherapy. 
 
     
     
       3. A method of priming hematopoietic stem cells pre-transplant, comprising obtaining said cells, isolating from said cells an immature, CD34+ rich population, and exposing said cell population to an AChE-derived peptide or compositions comprising thereof, wherein the AChE-derived peptide comprises the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:1. 
     
     
       4. The method as defined in  claim 3 , wherein said cells may be obtained from a subject in need of said transplant or from another donor. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the immature cells obtained from the subject in step (a) are introduced in step (d) to the same subject. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 2 , wherein the immature cells obtained from the subject in step (a) are introduced in step (d) to a different subject.